Pool filter sand?

[let550]

Curious about pool filter sand. I’m looking for a possible cheaper route on sand and have heard a lot about people using pool filter sand. I’ve also heard it doesn’t go with a reef tank that well? I read that diatoms are harder to manage with pfs, but also read an article that it’s perfectly fine to use. Should I just buy once and cry once with aragonite? Or should I be safe with pool filter sand?

 

[Subsea]

Pool sand is silica oxide; commonly called quartz sand.

Diatoms require silica to grow. Because my ground water is saturated with silica, I don’t concur that diatoms are bad for a reef tank. In fact, dosing silica to grow diatoms is a useful tool to combat opportunistic algae’s like Dinoflagellets & Cyanobacteria.
Because I keep ornamental sponges, silica is a vital requirement.

 

[Saltyreef]

If you are debating skimping on sand due to price, you are in for a rude awakening in this expensive hobby.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Curious about pool filter sand. I’m looking for a possible cheaper route on sand and have heard a lot about people using pool filter sand. I’ve also heard it doesn’t go with a reef tank that well? I read that diatoms are harder to manage with pfs, but also read an article that it’s perfectly fine to use. Should I just buy once and cry once with aragonite? Or should I be safe with pool filter sand?

Aragonite sand is one of the cheaper things you'll be putting in your tank. Don't skimp.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-dry-live-rock-live-sand/aquarium-live-sand.html

If you are going to have strong flow I would suggest going with special grade.

 

[BryanM]

I agree, sand is pretty dang cheap in this hobby compared to the rest of it.

 

[xtianGEO]

If you are debating skimping on sand due to price, you are in for a rude awakening in this expensive hobby.

He’s worried about the cost of sand? Lol! I think sand is the cheapest. Go price the rock.